Halloween festival takes root in Korea When it comes to the last day of October, the streets of many Western countries are decorated with orange pumpkin lights and are crowded with children dressed in colorful spooky costumes. It’s the yearly celebration of Halloween. Halloween has been influenced by Celtic yearly rituals performed as…
A sculpture of an elephant inlaid with silver, a lifelike replica of a Portuguese trade ship that is about to head out to sea, a gold sculpture from Nepal and a jar decorated with traditional Algerian patterns. This is not simply a collection of craftworks of the world. These are gifts received overseas during diplomatic…
Campus life in Korea Arriving here as an instructor, my first impression of Soongsil University was of a densely populated complex of towering buildings, wide brick staircases and throngs of young students hurrying to class, relaxing on benches together or just hanging out. It’s been a few years since I was in the…
Chinese vacationers fly to Korea for shopping spree Many Chinese tourists flew to Korea to go on a shopping spree during mainland China’s golden-week of national holidays from October 1 to 7. Where on earth did the Chinese shoppers — commonly known in Korean as youkers— go to do their shopping? What, exactly,…
Korean drama celebrated in Jinju Jinju, a historic city in southwest Korea, has been bustling with the fever of Hallyu, or the “Korean Wave.” This has been due to the Korea Drama Festival 2014, the largest celebration of television dramas in the country, which just dropped its closing curtain. During the festival, held…
Top six items to buy while in Korea Thinking of getting something to add into your personal collection or getting some gifts for your loved ones before you return from Korea? Here are some suggestions for you. 1. Korean Beauty Products. Korea is a shopping paradise for beauty products. K-Beauty trend is…
Events abound for October travelers Autumn is here. With clear blue skies and crisp temperatures, it’s ideal weather to travel in Korea. Over the past few years, the fall has been attracting more and more travelers to the country, domestic and international alike. This October in particular, Korea expects a large number of…
Make-A-Wish Foundation gives hope, courage to ailing children Kang Hyeon-bin, a six-year-old boy, was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year. He has one wish. He wants to become Roy, a fire truck featured in the cartoon Robocar Poli. Living in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do (Gyeonggi Province), he needs to go for blood tests for eight…
It’s hoesik time In any culture, food is of the utmost importance. In Korea, however, that importance is increased tenfold as eating together signifies unity and commonality. From the outside looking in, the Korean tradition of hoesik, or eating together, can be overwhelming for those who are unaccustomed to spending time with co-workers…
Seoul Traditional Temple Week welcomes visitors to temples This October, people will have the opportunity to appreciate many aspects of traditional Buddhism in Korea. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism will jointly host the Seoul Traditional Temple Week over three days from October 10 to 12. Seoul Traditional…
